Another two squads of South African athletes are celebrating after both the men’s and women’s hockey teams edge closer to their Olympic dreams thanks to qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games!
Global (06 November 2023) — Joining several other local athletes and teams who are counting down the days until they get to give their all at the Paris 2024 Olympics, are two more South African squads. Both our men’s and women’s hockey teams have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as of Sunday, 5th of November 2023 —a remarkable feat paved with grit and victories.
The women’s team were the first to qualify after winning gold against Nigeria during the African Hockey Road to Paris 2024 tournament. These ladies brought their A+ game to the astro after a tournament that had seen them win all their games en-route to the semi-final showdown. In the finals, they beat Nigeria 9-0!
As for the men’s team, the mission was more gruelling as they faced fierce rivalry from Egypt. South Africa and Egypt in the men’s hockey world have long gone toe to toe in high-ranking leagues, but when it came down to the last 15 minutes of the finals, South Africa found their sweet spot, resulting in an epic win.
“I can hardly remember the moment, but it’s definitely the greatest in a qualifier for me. I was in the right place at the right time and I couldn’t be happier. It was a sensational moment in front of a sensational crowd!” shared Ryan Julius who scored the golden ticketed goal.
Now, they will join the women’s team in preparation for the Olympics!
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